West Virginia Releases Statement About SI Investigation

West Virginia released a statement on Tuesday in response to the Sports Illustrated article implicating former Oklahoma State assistant and current Mountaineer assistant Joe DeForest in the story.

"West Virginia University is aware of an upcoming investigative reporting series in Sports Illustrated which - while focused on another institution (and) includes allegations against one of our current assistant football coaches regarding his time of employment at his previous Institution," Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Oliver Luck said. "Upon learning of the pending investigative report, WVU launched an internal review to ensure the coach's full compliance to NCAA rules while at West Virginia. The NCAA has also been contacted. While our assistant football coach has denied the allegations, it is the right thing to do to look into the matter and review practices here."

Beyond this statement, WVU said it will have no further comment while the review is taking place.

DeForest is accused of paying players for performance when he was on the Cowboys' staff from 2001-11.

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